By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Feb 2 — The Selangor government has allocated a total of RM414,000 to organise an inaugural online programme in conjunction with the 2021 Chinese New Year celebration.
State Standing Committee on Non-Islamic Affairs co-chairman Dato’ Teng Chang Khim said the total allocation covers payment to the directors and professional artists who will be doing the special performances.
“This year, the celebration will be implemented via social media platforms following the Covid-19 pandemic that does not permit event organising and public assembly.
“The decision to run the special programme virtually is bound to give a positive impact on the multicultural society seeing that the risk of the pandemic spread is still high,” Teng said at a press conference yesterday.
Teng announced that Selangor is the first state to broadcast programmes through the social media network to celebrate the Chinese community’s festival in the new norm.
“There has yet to be a government, whether Federal or state, that has broadcasted (virtual) programmes to celebrate a festival in such a festive way.
“Although it is hard to estimate the viewers’ reception, I believe this programme will at least give the public an opportunity to join in the festive mood,” he said.
Themed “New Year, New Hope’, the virtual event which will take place on February 12 will showcase 12 performances that include singing, dancing and cultural performances starting from 9pm.
